The Assumption of Mary – 14th Century Monastery
Dominating and lording its historic glory over the bay in front of Badija Island is a fourteenth century Franciscan monastery. It is built in the late Gothic style and named “The Assumption of Mary”.
The bay is quite simply, an idyll. And oh my goodness, the water! It is so gloriously crystal clear and transparent that the glinting sun pings with dynamic sparkly diamond effects so much so that is makes you squint and the brilliance almost makes your eyes hurt.
Nowadays, peaceful, and serene, Badija Island is unpopulated. The Franciscan monks are long since gone. There some friendly fallow deer and a plethora of water sports enthusiasts with windsurfers and students learning to sail in little Laser dinghies that dodge between the anchored cruising boats.
The island is located just ten minutes by frequently rotating water taxi’s that churn out visitors and tourists arriving from beautiful terracotta roofed old Korčula town.
Some other cruisers, like the Captain and I on Waiata are lucky enough to anchor in the bay in front of the monastery to enjoy the superb panorama. It’s a linger over lunch kind of place. And a chance to get off the boat and stride out with a brisk one-hour walk which is all it takes to complete a circumnavigation of the five or so kilometres around the island.
The Franciscan Order, Beer and Deer
The Franciscans religious order falls primarily under Catholic auspices and were founded in 1209 by Saint Francis of Assisi. They live based around vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Franciscans lived a mostly self-sufficient life; they made quaffable brown ale beer and lush, hazelnutty Frangelico, and made interesting, sweet things with nuts and honey. Even though it is unpopulated, there is a healthy orchard behind the high monastery walls and today I spied their fruiting apricots groaning brightly with the yellowish orange fruit.
I am not a religious type but do enjoy the opportunity that cruising life affords to admire, learn and indulge in learning about history and its influence on cultures.
Try My Cocktail
Frangelico is clearly a liqueur influenced by Monks and orders of faith. The distinctively shaped brown glass bottle with the rope string at it’s waist is designed to resemble the habit of a monk.
A ‘Frangelico Nut’ is one of my favourite cocktails of all time. It is simply a healthy 60 ml (ish) of Frangelico poured over fresh crushed ice, and the juice of one fresh lime. Enjoy, and you’re welcome!
Here’s a little chill and laid back ‘Weezer’ with “Island in the Sun” to accompany your cocktail.
“When you’re on a golden sea
You don’t need no memory
Just a place to call your own
As we drift into the zone
On an island in the sun
We’ll be playing and having fun
And it makes me feel so fine
I can’t control my brain”
